How does variety in happiness activities help sustain happiness?

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Question: How does variety in happiness activities help sustain happiness?

Option 1: 'It decreases the impact of each activity' — This statement suggests that variety lowers the effect of every activity, which misses the key mechanism. In reality, mixing activities can maintain novelty and engagement, rather than simply dampening impact. The claim also implies a universal decrease in effect, which isn’t accurate for many peak experiences that remain meaningful when varied.

Option 2: 'It makes activities less meaningful' — This option incorrectly assumes that changing activities erodes meaning. In practice, variety can preserve meaning by matching different contexts, needs, or social connections, and by preventing boredom that would otherwise diminish perceived value.

Option 3: 'It ensures we don’t adapt quickly or easily' — This aligns with the concept of hedonic adaptation: when we regularly experience the same happiness catalysts, their boost to well-being tends to fade. Introducing new activities keeps experiences fresh, maintains novelty, and helps sustain positive affect over time.

Option 4: 'It reduces the frequency of engagement' — Variety does not inherently reduce how often we engage in happiness activities; it changes what we do, not necessarily how often we do it. The idea that diversity lowers engagement frequency is not generally supported by research on well-being routines.

In summary, the idea that varied happiness activities help counteract adaptation and maintain positive affect is rooted in the psychology of novelty and reward. The other options either misstate the relationship between variety and impact, or mischaracterize how meaning and engagement respond to diversification.

Accelerated ELL Writing The How of Happiness Quiz: Chapter 10

How does variety in happiness activities help sustain happiness?

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